Showing posts with label VOUTILAINEN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VOUTILAINEN. Show all posts

Saturday, November 29, 2025

VOUTILAINEN –28GML SOUYOU Platinum Edition - Unique Piece


 

VOUTILAINEN Current 28GML "SOUYOU" Ttime Zone 39mm Platinum Edition - Unique Piece 2025

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Unique piece of Art
SOUYOU has been distinguished at the 
Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2025 (GPHG

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO

The Voutilainen 28 GML SOUYOU is a masterpiece that unites the extraordinary Japanese lacquer art of Mr. Tatsuo Kitamura with the Voutilainen workshop’s dedication to longevity, precision and classical watchmaking tradition. This timepiece offers a perfect balance of aesthetic and mechanical excellence, harmoniously blending Eastern and Western influences.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO

The mesmerizing dial draws inspiration from the motto, “SOUYOU” — a coined word that is reflected in the striking contrast between blue, green, gold and red colours. “SOU” evokes, in the outer part of the dial, the sea represented by the deep, clear blue-green hues, while ‘YOU’, with its shades of gold and red in the center, signifies a natural organic form symbolizing solar energy. Created using the Urushi lacquering technique, it requires over a thousand hours of meticulous ‘work. This extraordinary creation incorporates raw materials such as “Urushi” (tree sap), “Kinpun” (various gold powders), “Kirigane” (cut gold sheets), and “Kirigai” (cut shell from New Zealand abalone and the great green turban).

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO

Perfect for world travellers, this unique piece displays hours, minutes, and a central second time zone via a disc that completes a full 24-hour rotation, designed to indicate the home time. Subtly integrated into the gold motif on a red background, the second time zone pointer is easy to read at first glance. Meanwhile, the central hour hand can be easily adjusted to the local time of the destination with a simple push on the crown.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO

The mechanism was designed, built, fabricated, hand-finished and assembled to the highest standards by the expert artisans of the Voutilainen workshop with the utmost precision, care and passion. Technically, the caliber of the 28GML is equipped with a very large balance wheel crafted in-house, ensuring precise rate stability and accuracy within strict tolerances. Additionally, a rare and unique balance-spring system has been used. 

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO

The exterior of the spring has a typical Phillips overcoil, while the internal curve uses the little-known Grossmann curve, further increasing accuracy. It is also particularly remarkable due to its two escapement wheels, which provide a direct impulse to the balance through the roller/jewel. This innovative construction improves efficiency by requiring less energy than the Swiss lever escapement and allows for notable benefits, for everyday use, such as longevity, stability and a longer power reserve.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

The case back offers a captivating view of the caliber 28GML ’s intricacies that is meticulously finished to the highest standards by the expert artisans of the Voutilainen workshop. The surfaces of pinions and wheels are completely flat and polished with exceptionally uniform tolerances. The main plate and bridges, made from German-silver, are decorated by hand to achieve the utmost levels of surface finish. Screws and all steel parts are also finished and polished by hand.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

Completing the overall design, the 39 mm timepiece in platinum features an elegant hand-sewn strap.  


 
The watch has been nominated for the Artistic Crafts Watch category (PRIX DE LA MONTRE MÉTIERS D'ART) at the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix GPHG 2025 (Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève).

------------------- 
The Kitamura Studio and Urushi Lacquer Tradition

The Kitamura Studio, one of the world’s foremost Urushi lacquer studios, is located in Wajima, Japan. Under the guidance of Mr. Tatsuo Kitamura, it produces Urushi lacquer art that represents the pinnacle of Japanese tradition, carrying a craft that has endured for centuries into the modern era. Each piece embodies a profound respect for preserving the soul, spirit, and cultural identity of traditional Japan, as it was expressed during the Edo period (1615-1868). Among the various Urushi lacquering techniques, such as “Maki-e” and “Raden” in true classical tradition, Kitamura particularly excels in his own original one, “Saiei Maki”, which imparts a contemporary feel. This outstanding know-how uses various kinds and colours of special shells and fine gold inlay to recreate “Somada” technique - an extremely detailed, burnished maki-e art established in the 17 century but lost by the 19" century. In addition to creating original artworks, in recent years, the studio has also devoted energy to restoring traditional items once used by Edo-period feudal lords. Crafted hundreds of years ago, they retain their pristine beauty today, thanks to their durability and the ability to be restored, even when handled directly. This superlative artistry engages the viewer on a physical level, inspiring awe for the dedication, patience, and mastery essential to their creation.

About Urushi lacquer techniques

  • MAKI-E is a lacquer art and decorative technique in which designs or patterns are drawn in Urushi lacquer, over which gold-powder is sprinkled (scattered) while the lacquer is wet, securing the design on the surface.

  • RADEN is a mother-of-pearl inlay work and a decoration technique in which designs or patterns are drawn in Urushi lacquer, gold powder, cut gold sheets, turban and abalone shell.

 -----------------------------------------
Technical Characteristics

Categories: Current Collection

Model: 216TMZ World Timer "SOUYOU "  - Unique Piece

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

Ref.   28GML SOUYOU

Movement
Manual-winding mechanical Caliber 28GML GMT mechanism 
Indication of hours, minutes and display of a second time with towns and peripheral 24-hour disc. 
Quick crown correction  
Design, construction, fabrication, finishing and assembly in Voutilainen workshops.
- In-house movement.
- 30mm x 6.00mm movement
- New escapement, with two escapement wheels, direct impulse.
- Adjustable weight made of 18K rose gold  
- Fleece plunge type
- Made of 18K white gold  
- Number of Parts 211
- Wheels manufactured from 18K rose gold.
- German silver baseplate and bridges
- Frosted finish, yellow gold-plated finish
<Balance
- Free-sprung balance
- 18K rose gold adjusting weight
- 27 jewels
- Integrated retrograde power reserve indication.
- Power reserve: approximately 60h hours
- Free sprung balance wheel with rose gold timing weights
- 18.000 variations / hours
Balance diameter 13.60mm
With Grossman interior curve and Philips exterior curve.
Case
Platinum Pt 950 and crown Unique case design
Size ø 39 mm
Thickness 11.20 mm
Double-Sided Sapphire Crystal
Sapphire glasses front and back, anti reflection treatment on both sides
Waterproofness 30 m 
Functions
Hours, minutes and second time zone in the center
Display of a second time and center 24-hour rotation
Dial
Saikage Maki-e (Colored Maki-e) Decoration
Second Time Zone Display
Unique art piece created by the legendary Japanese lacquer studio 
lacquer technique by Saiei Makie and Somata zaiku takes several months of work to complete. 
The raw materials for its creation are: Kinpun (gold dust), Jyunkin-itakane (gold leaf), Yakou-gai (shell of great green turban) and Awabi-gai (abalone shell from New Zealand).
Hands ・Hour/minute hands: 18K white gold
            ・Blued steel Applied Ring, hand made
Strap
Hand sewn crocodile strap with platinum buckle


Additionals
All design, manufacturing, construction, fabrication, hand finishing and assembly in the Voutilainen workshop.

Year 2025

🔰Limited to 1 unique piece.
🔴 Price   290’000 CHF (excluding VAT) 💰

---------------------------------------------
Press Release - 2025
---------------------------------------------
----------------------------------
Kari Voutilainen
Voutilainen Horlogerie d’Art
Comblémine 2
2112 Môtiers | Switzerland
Tél +41 32 861 4832
Fax +41 32 861 4833
voutilainen@voutilainen.ch
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Voutilainen.ch

Saturday, November 1, 2025

VOUTILAINEN – KV20i Reversed CS Titanium Edition

 

VOUTILAINEN – Current KV20i Reversed CS Titanium Edition 2025

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

The Voutilainen KV20i Reversed CS timepiece perfectly encapsulates the Voutilainen workshop’s philosophy, combining respect for longevity, precision and classical watchmaking tradition.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO

Pushing the boundaries of horology, the watch is equipped with an in-house caliber featuring a unique “back-to-front” construction. The movement has been reversed, allowing one to admire its beauty and technicity from the front while reading the time.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

The timepiece is equipped with an in-house calibre featuring a unique “back-to-front” construction allowing one to admire its beauty and technicity from the front while reading the time, and stands out with a cherry-coloured minute flange and a cushion shape titanium case inspired by the pocket watch TP1 which was made in 2019 together by Kari and Venla Voutilainen for ONLY WATCH Charity Auction. On the case back, the same-coloured flange dial and second counter are hand-guilloché by the master artisans, adding a touch of elegance.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

Featuring a contemporary aesthetic, the KV20i stands out with an elegant cherry-coloured minute circle and a new, elegant cushion shape titanium case. 

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

Additionally, it enables enthusiasts to appreciate at first glance the synchronized motions of the escapement wheels. On the case back, a cherry-coloured sub-dial elegantly displays the seconds, reminiscent of the blue minute circle on the front adorned with polished gold quarter dots.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

In terms of technique, the caliber features a very large balance wheel crafted in-house, allowing a perfect regulation of the watch within strict tolerances. To equip such a timepiece, a rare and unique balance-spring system has been used. The exterior of the spring has a typical Phillips overcoil, while the internal curve uses the little-known Grossmann curve, further increasing accuracy.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

The movement is particularly remarkable due to its two escapement wheels, which provide a direct impulse to the balance through the roller/jewel. This innovative construction improves efficiency by requiring less energy than the Swiss lever escapement and allows for notable benefits, for everyday use, such as longevity, stability and a longer power reserve.   

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

Thanks to its innovative architecture, the watch offers the opportunity to contemplate every detail of the movement, including the elegant single-arm balance-wheel bridge and the balance oscillating at a traditional frequency. Additionally, it enables enthusiasts to appreciate at first glance the synchronized motions of the escapement wheels. On the case back, a cherry-coloured dial and second counter are hand-guilloché by master artisans, adding a touch of elegance.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO

In terms of technique, the caliber features a very large balance wheel crafted in-house, ensuring precise regulation within strict tolerances. To equip such a timepiece, a rare and unique balancespring system has been used. The exterior of the spring has a typical Phillips overcoil, while the internal curve uses the little-known Grossmann curve further increasing accuracy.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

The movement is particularly remarkable due to its two escapement wheels, which provide a direct impulse to the balance through the roller/jewel. This innovative construction improves efficiency by requiring less energy than the Swiss lever escapement and allows for notable benefits, for everyday use, such as longevity, stability and a longer power reserve. The main plate and bridges, made from German-silver, are decorated by hand to achieve the utmost levels of surface finish. Screws and all steel parts are also finished and polished by hand. 

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

Thanks to the reversed mechanism, it is possible to admire the movement that is meticulously finished to the highest standards by the expert artisans of the Voutilainen workshop. The surfaces of pinions and wheels are perfectly flat and polished to exceptionally uniform tolerances. The main plate and bridges, made from German-silver, are decorated by hand to achieve the utmost levels of surface finish. Screws and all steel parts are also finished and polished by hand.

Click, to see the large size.  BIG FOTO  

Reflecting a modern aesthetic, the movement is housed in a 39 mm cushion-shaped case, distinguished by a light satin-finish and polished surfaces. For optimal wrist comfort, the timepiece features short and curved lugs to which a hand-sewn brown crocodile leather strap is attached.

  -----------------------------------------
Technical Characteristics

 Model Name  KV20i Reversed CS 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Ref: KV20iReversedCS

 Case
    Material:  Titanium. Available in platinum, stainless steel, 18K white gold, 18K rose gold
    Case and crown made in-house
    Diameter : 39mm x 39mm x 13.4mm
    Sapphire glasses front and back with anti-reflection treatment
Dial
    Bright red dial on the front side surrounding the movement with polished gold quarter dots
    Bright red dial on the caseback that can be hand-guilloché upon the customer’s wish
    Hand-guilloché: flange dial n second counter on backside
Hands: bimetallic in wet sandblasting gold n blued steel
    - 18K gold
    - Blued steel Applied ring
Hour/minute hands, second hand (back)
Movement
    New Voutilainen in-house reversed movement, two escapement wheels with direct impulse
    Design, construction, fabrication, finishing and assembly in the Voutilainen workshops \
    Movement diameter : 30.00 mm Thickness: 8.45mm
    Number of components : 202
    Main plate and bridges manufactured from German-silver
    Wheels made from gold
    Number of jewels: 31
    Power reserve of 60
hours
    Frequency : 18,000 v.p.h, free sprung balance wheel with rose gold timing weights
    Balance diameter : 13.50mm
    Balance-spring with Phillips terminal curve and Grossmann internal curve
Functions/Indications
    Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap and buckle
    Hand-stitched crocodile leather strap 
    Titanium buckle 

🔰Edition - Yes ✅limited series

🔴PRICE:  On Request💰

   ---------------------------------------------
Press Release - 2025
---------------------------------------------
----------------------------------
Kari Voutilainen
Voutilainen Horlogerie d’Art
Comblémine 2
2112 Môtiers | Switzerland
Tél +41 32 861 4832
Fax +41 32 861 4833
voutilainen@voutilainen.ch
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Voutilainen.ch

Friday, July 18, 2025

VOUTILAINEN – 28LQU Kohan - Unique Piece

 

VOUTILAINEN  Current [Vingt-8] 28LQU "Kohan"Japanese lacquer Dial Kitamura Studio - Unique Piece - 2025

 
A unique Voutilainen timepiece

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Created and developed especially with a Finnish private client to celebrate the love he holds for his wife for her birthday, the Voutilainen 28 Kohan Unique Piece embodies the symbiosis of Tatsuo Kitamura's extraordinary lacquer Japanese artistry, the traditional hand-engraving techniques and enamel with the Voutilainen workshop's philosophy of longevity, precision and classical watchmaking tradition. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

This one-of-a-kind timepiece is a complete work of horological art, inspired by the autumn foliage of Lake Saimaa, with numerous details reflecting Finnish national symbols.

Voutilainen 28 Kohan Unique Piece

The one-of-a-kind timepiece highlights a mesmerizing case, a distinctive dial made using Urushi lacquering technique along with a movement whose bridges and ratchet wheel are crafted with the same meticulous art, requiring over a thousand hours of work. The raw materials used in this artwork include "Urushi" (tree sap), "Kinpun" (various gold powder), "Kirigane" (cut gold sheets) and "Kirigai" (cut shells from the great green turban and New Zealand abalone).

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

According to the collector's wishes, the dial depicts scenes of archipelago of the Lake Saimaa, with a glimmering water surface and colours of Finnish autumn foliage. Hundreds of shell pieces hand­ cut from different shells such as green-turban and abalone are meticulously sorted by colour, gleam and shape. They are then combined with hand-cut materials in fine gold, platinum and coloured lacquer and finely inlaid in dense compositions across multiple Urushi layers, applied repeatedly like a mille-feuille. Each piece is carefully hand-polished at every stage to create a textured surface reminiscent of a pebble-grained. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The outermost layer's subtle asperities produce delicate plays of light and shadow, bringing the themed decoration to life-revealing its magic from different viewing angles. The dial also reveals a captivating sky that transforms with the light: under bright illumination, it becomes a vivid blue sky with white clouds appearing, while in the shade, it shifts into a deep night sky where only the water surface gently reflects a faint glow, reminiscent of moonlight. It is made with a unique technique that has been kept secret.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The white gold case is a true work of art featuring a cover decorated on both faces using artistic techniques. The outside is beautifully hand-engraved and enamelled, showcasing a Seven-spot Ladybird (the national insect of Finland) quietly resting on the leaf of the Silver Birch (the national tree of Finland). The inner side presents Lily of the Valley flowers (the national flower of Finland) and two Holly Blue butterflies (the national butterfly of Finland), shown in flight with open wings as they seek nectar from the blossoms. The flowers are made of hand-sliced mother-of-pearl, with each petal individually shaped. The colours of the petals, butterflies' wings, and background ornaments shift subtly depending on the viewing angle and light.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Subtle details enrich the case, including the birthday of the collector's beloved wife, a finely engraved map of Finland and a bear paw-the national animal-symbolising strength and power. In addition, the crown is set with a granite stone, Finland's national stone, whose red and black shades echo and enhance the watch's artistry.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The beauty of the movement can be admired at the back of the case, featuring a main plate and bridges crafted from German-silver and titanium, enhanced by hand-applied Urushi lacquer decoration using the Saiei Maki-e technique. In alignment with the collector's vision and Mr. Kitamura's guidance, the ratchet showcases a depiction of three leaves of the Silver Birch (the national tree of Finland) which turns into yellow with golden shades in autumn. Cut gold sheets, cut shells, Urushi deep-blue lacquer, and gold-powder particles are put together to create such a work of art. Additionally, a power reserve has been added on the movement with a white gold indicator shaped like a Vichy water bottle.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The Voutilainen 28 Kohan is equipped with an in-house caliber that incorporates a very large balance wheel crafted internally, allowing a perfect regulation of the watch within strict tolerances. To equip such a timepiece, a rare and unique balance-spring system has been used. The exterior of the spring has a typical Phillips overcoil, while the internal curve uses the little-known Grossmann curve further increasing accuracy.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Furthermore, the movement is particularly remarkable due to its two escapement wheels, which provide a direct impulse to the balance through the jewels. This innovative construction improves efficiency by requiring less energy than the Swiss lever escapement and allows for notable benefits, for everyday use, such as longevity, stability and a longer power reserve. The mechanism is meticulously finished to the highest standards by the expert artisans of the Voutilainen workshop. The surfaces of pinions and wheels are completely flat and polished with exceptionally uniform tolerances. The main plate and bridges are decorated by hand to achieve the utmost levels of surface finish. Screws and all steel parts are also finished and polished by hand.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Completing the overall design, the timepiece features a stylish and elegant 37 mm white gold case paired with a hand-sewn green crocodile strap.

The Kitamura Studio and Urushi Lacquer Tradition

The Kitamura Studio, one of the world's foremost Urushi lacquer studios, is located in Wajima, Japan. Under the guidance of Mr. Tatsuo Kitamura, it produces Urushi lacquer art that represents the pinnacle of Japanese tradition, carrying a craft that has endured for centuries into the modern era. Each piece embodies a profound respect for preserving the soul, spirit, and cultural identity of traditional Japan, as it was expressed during the Edo period (1615-1868). Among the various Urushi lacquering techniques, such as "Maki-e" and "Raden" in true classical tradition, Kitamura particularly excels in his own original one, "Saiei Maki", which imparts a contemporary feel. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

This outstanding know-how uses various kinds and colours of special shells and fine gold inlay to recreate "Somada" technique - an extremely detailed, burnished maki-e art established in the 17th century but lost by the 19th century. Besides making his artworks, in recent years, the studio has also devoted energy to restoring traditional items once used by Edo-period feudal lords. Crafted hundreds of years ago, they retain their pristine beauty today, thanks to their durability and the ability to be restored, even when handled directly. This superlative artistry engages the viewer on a physical level, inspiring awe for the dedication, patience, and mastery essential to their creation.

About Urushi lacquer's techniques

MAKI-E is a lacquer work and a decoration technique in which designs or patterns are drawn in Urushi lacquer, over which gold-powder is sprinkled (scattered) while the lacquer is wet, securing the design on the surface.

RADEN is a mother-of-pearl inlay work and a decoration technique in which designs or patterns are drawn in Urushi lacquer, gold-powder, cut gold sheets, turban and abalone shell.

  -----------------------------------------
Technical Characteristics

Categories: Current Collection

Model:  28LQU - Unique Piece

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 
 
Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Movement
Unique, in house designed movement with hours and minutes, two escapement wheels with direct impulse
Design, construction, fabrication, finishing and assembly in the Voutilainen workshops
- Diameter : 30.00mm
- Number of components : 223
- German-silver main plate, steel rachet wheel and bridges made from titanium with art decoration hand-made by the legendary Japanese lacquer Kitamura Studio
- Wheels made from gold
- Main plate and bridges manufactured from German silver.
- Wheels manufactured from gold.
- 30 jewels
- Integrated retrograde power reserve indication.
- Power reserve: 65h
- Free sprung balance wheel with rose gold timing weights
- 18.000 variations / hours
Balance diameter 13.60mm,
The exterior of the spring uses a typical Phillips overcoil,
while the internal curve uses the little known Grossmann curve.
Case
Case and crown made in-house from white gold 
Size ø 37 mm
Thickness 12.60 mm
Crown with granite stone
Case cover with hand-engraving and enamel on the outside and inside with art decoration hand-made by the legendary Japanese lacquer Kitamura Studio
Waterproofness 30 m 
Functions
Hours, minutes 
Dial
Unique dial hand-made and decorated by the legendary Japanese lacquer Kitamura Studio
lacquer technique by Tatsuo Kitamura comprising Kinpun (gold dust)
The techniques of lacquering with Urushi lacquering techniques, such as ‘Maki-e’ and ‘Raden’ in true classical tradition(abalone shell from New Zealand).‘
Urushi’ (tree sap), ‘Kinpun’ (various gold powder), ‘Kirigane’ (cut-gold) and ‘Kirigai’ (cut-shells from great green turban and New Zealand abalone).
Hands  Made from gold and blued steel
Strap
Hand-sewn green crocodile strap with gold buckle

хештег voutilainenwatches хештег pieceofart хештег urushilacquer хештегkitamurastudio хештег tatsuokitamura хештегwajima хештег japan хештегmonteverest  

@voutilainen.japan 
@voutilainen_cattin @comblemine

Additionals
All design, manufacturing, construction, fabrication, hand finishing and assembly in the Voutilainen workshop.
Year 2025

🔰Edition ✅Only ❱❱❱ 1 piece.

    ---------------------------------------------
Press Release - 2025
---------------------------------------------
----------------------------------
Kari Voutilainen
Voutilainen Horlogerie d’Art
Comblémine 2
2112 Môtiers | Switzerland
Tél +41 32 861 4832
Fax +41 32 861 4833
voutilainen@voutilainen.ch
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Voutilainen.ch